Chongqing Dairy Parlor Basil Rows Dawn

Cool dawn light falls through high windows, illuminating neat rows of basil and mint growing inside a concrete dairy milking parlor in Chongqing. Water droplets rest on the dark green leaves and glisten on the metal troughs running parallel to the plants. The early winter air leaves a damp sheen on the tiled floor, reflecting the pale blue-gray sky visible through the glass. Rust-colored pipes run along the ceiling beams, against the vibrant green foliage below. Workers in heavy wool sweaters tend the crops, their movements slow and deliberate against the backdrop of stainless steel milking equipment. one drop of condensation slides down a glass pane, marking the edge of the indoor garden.